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Board to review policies of Highway Program

ITD staff will conduct an interactive work session Wednesday afternoon with board members as the first part of the board’s November meeting. The workshop will be in the conference room at the Division of Aeronautics office in Boise.

A review of current polices related to highway programs – such as Safety Rest Areas and the Enhancement Program – will initiate the discussion. It will be followed by a session on how districts implement and prioritize funding for projects. District engineers are expected to participate in the discussions, which will serve as a framework for developing and managing the Highway Development Program in the future.

The transportation board will meet in regular session to conduct department business on Thursday at the Headquarters Auditorium, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Other board consideration

Public Transportation Funding
Because of recent passage of the federal transportation bill, (a Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users), the Division of Public Transportation will receive a significant increase in funds. Staff will elaborate on the Federal Transit Administration funding, including the flexibility of the funds and new the match requirements.

The funding for one program alone – Rural Public Transportation – is expected to increase from $1.9 million in FY05 to $4.9 million in FY06. Some of that money may be retained for administrative costs.

The division plans to fund one new position and is analyzing the need to begin contracting aspects of program oversight, such as the Drug and Alcohol testing, to better meet increasing federal requirements and the increased workload for existing staff.

Delegations: Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce, Red Bull Air Race World Series
As one of the sponsors, representatives from Red Bull Air Race World Series (Red Bull) was at the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls recently for the record-setting number of BASE (building, antenna, span, and earth) jumps in one day. Red Bull was so impressed with the area that it is considering conducting one of its two annual air shows in Twin Falls next year.

The economic impact to the area is estimated at $30-40 million, plus the national exposure from the televised show.

The delegation is expected to ask for permission to fly planes under the Perrine Bridge for the air show; however, it is not strictly a board decision. The Federal Aviation Administration is required to review Red Bull’s plans for the air show.

Materials sources
Materials Engineer Jeff Miles is scheduled to summarize ITD’s material sources. The state owns 256 sources and has leases or withdrawal options for about 500 additional sites.

ITD staff will elaborate on the types of sources, the procedures related to the sources and the royalties or recovery fees. Common costs associated with sources are environmental and archeological clearances; investigation, including testing, surveying, title fees and appraisals; and fencing.

Published 11-11-05